Some recipes become traditions not because they are complicated, but because they are made with love.
This one comes from Phyllis Andrews, who publishes Stroll The Village. She created it in honor of her sister Lynn, who passed away in 2025. "She loved Key Lime and Trifle, so combining them made sense," Phyllis writes.
Aunt Phyllis' Key Lime Trifle has been one of those desserts that always gets requests for the recipe. Cool, creamy and tart, it is the kind of dish asked for at holidays, reunions and Sunday dinners alike. A trifle, for anyone who has not made one, is a layered dessert built in a clear bowl so you can see every stratum.
"Don't rush it. This trifle tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to come together."
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (24 oz) tub Cool Whip, divided
Graham cracker crumble
- 2 packages graham crackers (about 6 sleeves), finely crushed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
Reserve about ½ cup of the crumble for the top.
Directions
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, key lime juice and vanilla. Mix until creamy, then fold in 1 cup of the Cool Whip.
- In another bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, brown sugar and melted butter until evenly coated.
- Layer in a trifle bowl or clear serving dish: graham cracker crumble, then key lime filling, then Cool Whip.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with Cool Whip. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumble over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Aunt Phyllis' tip
"Trifle is so easy to try with different flavors. Experiment and create new tastes for your family."
Made with love. Shared with family. Passed from one generation to the next.
Stroll The Village would love to try your recipes. Send family favorites to phyllis.andrews@n2co.com for possible inclusion in an issue.
This story appears in the September 2026 issue of Stroll The Village.